New England Groundsel

Choosing New England Groundsel: New England Groundsel (Packera schweinitziana) is a lovely wildflower that can add charm to your garden, especially if you're looking for something low-maintenance and native to North America. You'll likely find seeds at local nurseries or online stores specializing in native plants. Since it's a wildflower, it’s pretty hardy once established.

Timing: This plant thrives best when planted in early spring or fall. The cooler temperatures give it time to settle in before the heat of summer or the cold of winter. If you live in a warmer climate, fall planting works well; otherwise, early spring is ideal.

Tools and Materials:

New England Groundsel seeds

A patch of soil or pots with drainage holes

General-purpose potting mix or native soil

Watering can

A small rake or hand trowel

Tip: If you're planting in pots, choose one that’s at least 8 inches deep to give the roots room to grow.

If Using Seeds:

1. Start by loosening the soil in your chosen spot or pot. You don’t need fancy soil—just make sure it’s not too compact.
2. Sprinkle the seeds over the surface of the soil. You don’t need to bury them deep—just lightly press them into the soil.
3. Water gently so the seeds stay in place but aren't washed away.
4. Keep the soil moist while you wait for the seeds to sprout, which usually takes about 1-2 weeks.

If Using Seedlings:

1. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the seedling.
2. Place the seedling in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
3. Fill in around the plant with soil and press down gently to remove air pockets.
4. Water thoroughly right after planting.

Tip: Space multiple plants about 6-12 inches apart to give them enough room to spread naturally.

Sunlight Requirements: New England Groundsel prefers partial shade to full sun. It's adaptable, though, so if you have a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade, that’s perfect. If you’re growing it in a pot, you can move it around to find the best light conditions.

Watering Method:

• Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
• Check the soil every few days by sticking your finger into it. If it feels dry an inch down, it’s time to water.
• Once the plant is established, it becomes more drought-tolerant, so you won’t need to water as often.

Fertilizing Tips: You don’t need to fertilize New England Groundsel much since it’s used to growing in the wild. However, a light application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring can give it a boost if you feel it needs it.

Supporting Your Plants: New England Groundsel tends to grow in a low, spreading manner, so it doesn’t need stakes or supports. However, if you notice any stems bending awkwardly, you can use small stones or twigs to prop them up gently.

When to Harvest: You won’t be harvesting New England Groundsel like you would vegetables, but if you want to collect seeds to grow more plants next year, here’s how:

• Wait until late summer or early fall when the flowers have turned into fluffy seed heads.
• Gently shake the seed heads over a container or paper bag to catch the tiny seeds.
• Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant them again.

How to Harvest: If you're collecting seeds, handle the plant gently to avoid damaging the stems or leaves. The seeds are very small, so be careful not to lose them!

Storage: Store the seeds in a paper envelope or a small jar with a lid. Keep them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to sow them again.

Tip: If you let some seed heads remain on the plant, they might self-seed, meaning you’ll have new plants popping up naturally next year!

Q: Why are my New England Groundsel leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves could mean overwatering or poor drainage. Make sure the soil isn’t staying soggy. If it’s been raining a lot, try to improve drainage by adding sand or perlite to the soil.

Q: Can I grow New England Groundsel indoors?

A: While it’s possible, this plant really thrives outdoors. It’s happiest in its natural environment, where it can spread and get the right amount of sunlight and moisture.

Q: Do New England Groundsel attract pollinators?

A: Yes! This plant is great for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to your garden. The bright yellow flowers are like a beacon for pollinators.

Q: My plant looks leggy—what should I do?

A: If your plant is getting tall and spindly, it might not be getting enough sunlight. Try moving it to a brighter location, or prune back some of the longer stems to encourage bushier growth.

Q: How do I control spreading?

A: New England Groundsel can spread quite a bit if left unchecked. To control its growth, simply trim back any unwanted sections or remove seed heads before they drop seeds.